Pablo Zabaleta has signed a new four-year contract at Manchester City – almost
five years to the day since arriving at the Etihad Stadium from Espanyol.

The Argentina international, whose £6.45m transfer to Manchester City was signed off two days before Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan’s takeover in 2008, has committed his future to the club until 2017 after becoming a key figure in the team’s success in recent seasons.

Zabaleta, who is expected to start at right-back against Newcastle United at the Etihad tonight, said: “I have been here for five years and it feels like home.

“Signing a contract extension with the club makes me feel very happy. I feel great here, I like the Premier League, and I think Manchester City are one of the clubs looking for success in the future.

“It is a club that is very well-organised and when you see that everything works well you want to be here.

“I think we have got a great squad, fantastic players and hopefully we can win something this year.”